As the NBA season progresses, attention often focuses on the top teams vying for championships and playoff spots.
Championship contenders and potential upsets dominate discussions, overshadowing the teams at the bottom of the standings.
It`s easy to overlook the 10 teams whose seasons concluded before the play-in tournament, their fates intertwined with the upcoming draft lottery. However, even these teams have noteworthy aspects from their seasons that deserve recognition as they look toward improvement.
Let`s examine each of these eliminated teams and identify a positive takeaway from their season to offer an optimistic perspective. Despite challenges and setbacks, each team can find at least one encouraging element from the past season.
Toronto Raptors
While the Toronto Raptors experienced a challenging season overall, several key players demonstrated individual growth. RJ Barrett showcased improved playmaking abilities, increasing his assists average significantly.
Young players like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji reached double-digit scoring averages. Jakob Poeltl quietly established himself as a strong two-way center, and Chris Boucher and rookie Jamal Shead made valuable contributions off the bench.
With a roster including Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram, the Raptors possess a considerable talent pool for a non-playoff team. This foundation, combined with their position in the Eastern Conference, suggests they have a good chance to contend for a playoff spot in the next season.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets made strategic moves during their ongoing rebuild. Trading Mikal Bridges allowed them to acquire multiple future first-round picks and regain control of their own picks. They now have a strong draft capital, particularly in the 2025 draft.
The Nets also positioned themselves to have significant salary cap space and hired a highly-regarded coach, Jordi Fernandez. While the current roster`s long-term composition remains uncertain, the Nets have accumulated resources that could facilitate a significant turnaround in the coming years.
Philadelphia 76ers
Despite a disappointing season for the Philadelphia 76ers, the emergence of Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes as developmental success stories provides a silver lining. McCain impressed as a rookie scorer, and Grimes showed significant improvement after joining the team mid-season.
McCain, Grimes, and Tyrese Maxey could form a dynamic backcourt for the 76ers as they aim to return to contention. Even in a challenging season, the 76ers found encouraging developments, highlighting potential for future success.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets` LaMelo Ball`s popularity is evident from his high ranking in All-Star fan votes. Despite team struggles and perceived stagnation in development, advanced metrics still recognize Ball`s offensive talent.
Ball brings excitement to the Hornets, a franchise seeking sustained success. While wins haven`t followed, his presence offers a reason for optimism for a team aiming to recapture past glory.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards` top draft pick, Alex Sarr, showed promising growth throughout his rookie season. After a slow start, Sarr demonstrated significant improvement, particularly after the All-Star break.
Sarr increased his scoring output and offensive involvement, while also improving his defensive performance around the rim. His development offers a positive sign for the Wizards` rebuilding efforts.
Phoenix Suns
Finding positives for the Phoenix Suns after a disappointing season is challenging. However, Kevin Durant`s exceptional scoring ability remains a key asset. Even at age 36, Durant maintained elite shooting efficiency.
Durant`s trade value remains high, potentially offering the Suns an opportunity to acquire valuable draft assets to rebuild their depleted draft capital. His continued high level of play is a silver lining amidst team struggles.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers appear to have addressed a long-standing need for two-way wings by acquiring Deni Avdija and developing Toumani Camara. Avdija has proven to be a valuable addition, contributing on both ends of the court.
Camara also shows promise as a versatile player. Coupled with the development of Scoot Henderson and improved team performance in the latter part of the season, the Trail Blazers are showing signs of future contention.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are considered to be in a favorable rebuilding position, largely due to Victor Wembanyama`s rapid development. Wembanyama`s impressive second season was cut short by injury, but he is expected to return strong.
The emergence of Stephon Castle and the acquisition of De`Aaron Fox further enhance the Spurs` future outlook. The Spurs are building a promising young core that has generated excitement around the league.
New Orleans Pelicans
Despite a season plagued by injuries, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans continued to improve. Murphy increased his scoring and assist numbers while maintaining efficiency, solidifying his role as a key player.
Murphy`s continued growth provides a positive element for the Pelicans as they navigate an uncertain offseason. He is expected to be a central part of their roster moving forward.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz achieved a primary goal by securing favorable lottery odds after a period of middling lottery positions. This improved draft position is a positive outcome for the franchise.
Additionally, young players like Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh showed encouraging signs. Collier demonstrated playmaking growth, and Sensabaugh displayed shooting ability, offering supplementary pieces for the Jazz`s future.
